Friday was an energizing and inspiring day for Fine Gael in North Tipperary and South Offaly. There was an excited frenzy on the streets of local towns as Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny TD made a special visit to the constituency of North Tipperary/South Offaly to further boost local Deputy Noel Coonan’s election campaign which continues to gather great momentum.

Roscrea was the first port of call where a mighty crowd eagerly awaited Deputy Kenny’s arrival to Noel’s office on Main Street. It was all flashing lights and cameras as the Leader was swarmed by onlookers, members of the press, Fine Gael Councillors and supporters on stepping out of his car. An excited crowd of both young and old enthusiastically shook Enda’s hand greeting the leader as the next Taoiseach.

The excitement continued down the street as Deputies Kenny and Coonan popped into numerous local businesses including SuperValu where they met the owner of the family-run business Brian Colclough, Frawley’s Pharmacy, Tesco, the Post Office and O’Donnell Jewellers to name a few.

National media outlets including RTE, TV3, Newstalk and Lise Hand from the Irish Independent journeyed with the Leader to Roscrea where, standing alongside Deputy Coonan, the Party Leader controversially announced that he will not participate in any programme involving broadcaster Vincent Browne due to previous comments made by Mr Browne with regard to suicide.

Next stop was Moneygall where Deputies Kenny and Coonan and their entourage called into Majella and Ollie Hayes’s pub which has links to Barack Obama ancestory. They then popped across the road to meet with local publican Julia Hayes. The next stop was Toomevara followed finally by Nenagh where the Fine Gael Leader warmly praised Deputy Coonan saying he was “very proud of the work he was doing in North Tipp and South Offaly” and that it was more essential than ever for people throughout the constituency to “row in behind Noel who is your only Fine Gael candidate in the area and who is doing a powerful job on your behalf.” The Leader commented that Deputy Coonan was particularly excelling in his role as party Spokesperson on Common Agriculture Reform (CAP) Reform.

Addressing the excited crowd that spilled out from his office onto Pearse Street, local Fine Gael TD Noel Coonan thanked the Leader for his encouraging comments and said he was delighted to see Leader Enda Kenny place such importance on the Tipperary North constituency.

“Enda has been in North Tipperary at least six times over the last 24 months and that is a demonstration of his dedication to the constituency; on one occasion to nationally launch Fine Gael’s Jobs Plan NewERA in Grants Hotel. Our response to that dedication is that when the role call is announced on 9th March as the 31st Dáil sits for the first time; I will be there as part of that Fine Gael team to say Enda as Taoiseach! I want to be part of that Government and I think it would look rather ridiculous for our constituency to be without a Fine Gael TD when Fine Gael will be in power after the coming election.”

Deputy Coonan received hearty applause when he said: “It’s time to roll up our sleeves. There are only 20 days left until the election. Fine Gael in Government will implement our five point plan and once again people will be proud of our Government and proud that our children will not have to emigrate from these shores and can find work in this country where they want to live and raise their families.”

Both Deputies Kenny and Coonan then hit the streets of Nenagh for a walkabout with many party supporters and friends in tow, causing quite a stir on an otherwise dreary wet Friday afternoon.

Deputy Noel Coonan launches first of his re-election campaign meetings

There were rounds of rapturous applause in the ballroom of the Templemore Arms Hotel last Friday night as local Fine Gael Deputy Noel Coonan launched his re-election campaign. A mighty crowd turned out despite unfavourable weather conditions to show their support and to cheer on Deputy Coonan in his fight to retain the Fine Gael seat in North Tipperary/South Offaly. Deputy Brian Hayes, Fine Gael’s Deputy Finance Spokesperson, travelled from Dublin and was guest speaker on the night.

Deputy Coonan won back the Fine Gael seat for the Tipperary North constituency when he was elected to Dáil Eireann in May 2007. Previous to this, Fine Gael was 10 years without a seat in the large rural area.

Addressing the large crowd with anticipation, passion and excitement, Deputy Coonan proudly announced: “Let us not forget the tears of ecstacy that fell on the night of May 25th 2007 when Fine Gael won back a seat through hard work, blood, sweat and tears. Think of how happy people were that night and believe me we are going to hold on to this seat and we are going to win in this election like we did three years ago. On the 9^th of March I’ll be there in Dáil Eireann when the role call is made and Deputy Enda Kenny is Taoiseach.” The supporters responded with eager applause.

Deputy Coonan, who is party Spokesperson on CAP Reform, slammed the Government for slashing farmgate schemes and discouraging young people to continue farming traditions. “But Fine Gael in power will reward farmers instead of punishing them. I will defend the rural community and offer hope to get us out of this mess.” The Deputy sharply criticised the Labour Party for supporting the recent Climate Change Bill which would have cut the national herd by 30%.

Addressing the crowd, the local TD said: “Over the last three and a half years this corrupt Government has been aided and abetted by Deputies Michael Lowry and Maire Hoctor. They have supported a Government that has, for example, brought our Garda College here in Templemore to a grinding halt. Many Garda personnel and civilian staff have lost their jobs. The second last batch of recruits recently graduated and this world class academy is fast becoming dormant. This was the leading industry in Templemore but that is no more.

“There is only one true candidate for the position of Taoiseach and that is Enda Kenny. He has led Fine Gael for 8 years now and is the most senior serving member of Dáil Éireann with 35 years of public service. Fine Gael has been transformed under his leadership. People are crying out for leadership and only Fine Gael will provide this,” concluded the local TD.

Deputy Brian Hayes, who left the canvas trail in Dublin to attend the meeting, spoke enthusiastically: “Noel won back this seat for Fine Gael and the best way for the people of this constituency to send a strong message to Government is to Vote No 1 for Coonan.” The TD spoke of the anguish felt on the doorsteps due to the mismanagement and arrogance of Fianna Fáil in Government over the past 14years but said Fine Gael’s promises are real, they will materialise and we will reform the country from the top down.”

Director of Elections and former County Councillor Tom Berkery spoke fondly of Deputy Coonan who he said “has been delivering for people on the ground that have real needs.” Mr Berkery also said people must apportion blame to where it lies and it is Fianna Fáil that is to blame for the faults of the past.

I am launching the first of my re-election campaign meetings at 9pm in the Templemore Arms tomorrow night, Friday February 4th. Deputy Brian Hayes will be guest speaker on the night. All are welcome to attend and light refreshments will be served.

“I’m greatly looking forward to the launch and I’m hoping for a large turnout to show support for both my campaign and the Fine Gael party which will most likely be in Government after the forthcoming election. Many thanks to everyone who has supported me to date, it is much appreciated and I look forward to your continued support into the future.”